Question 1

Question 2Who were Mamluk Sultans?

Accepted Answer

The earliest rulers of Delhi were called Mamluk Sultans. The word Mamluk is an Arabic word that means 'owned'. Since these Sultans were earlier either the slaves of the Turks or were the sons of the slaves, they were called Mamluk Sultans.

Question 2

Question 3How did Iltutmish save his kingdom from the Mongol threat?

Accepted Answer

Iltutmish used diplomacy to save his kingdom from the threat of Mongol invasion. In 1221, Mongol leader changez khan conquered many parts of Central Asia. Chasing the ruler of Khawarizm, the Mongols came right upto the bank of the Indus river and threatened Iltutmish's empire. The ruler of Khawarizm requested Iltutmish to provide him shelter. But sensing the danger of Mongol attack on his empire, he diplomatically refused him shelter. This pleased Changez Khan, who went back without attacking Iltutmish's empire.

Question 3

Question 4What was 'Chalisa'? Who organised it?

Accepted Answer

'Chalisa' or 'Corps of Forty Slaves' was a group of powerful Turkish nobles who were given all high offices. The Chalisa was organised by Iltutmish.

Question 4

Question 5Why did Iltutmish nominate his daughter Razia as his successor?

Accepted Answer

Iltutmish did not consider any of his sons worthy of becoming a Sultan. That is why, he nominated his daughter, Razia as his successor as she was an able and brave ruler.

Question 5

Question 6What measures did Balban take to combat the Mongol threat?

Accepted Answer

Balban took various measures to combat the continuous raids of the Mongols. He ordered reconstruction of old forts and construction of new forts along the northwest frontier. He kept a strong standing army and appointed his two sons, Muhammad and Bughra Khan as governors of the frontier provinces. They inflicted a crushing defeat on the mongols when they invaded Punjab and thus, saved the country from Mongol menace.

Question 6

Question 7What steps were taken by Balban to enhance the prestige of the King?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the prestige of the king, Balban advocated the divine origin of kingship and called the king as representative of God on Earth. He introduced the practice of Sijda and Paibos in the court. Sijda means the practice of kneeling and touching the ground with one's forehead and 'Paibos' is the practice of kissing the king's feet.

Question 7

Question 8Why did the slave dynasty decline?

Accepted Answer

After the death of Balban in 1286, his successors were weak and inefficient. Therefore, after four years of his death, the Slave dynasty came to an end and was replaced by the Khalji dynasty.

Question 8

Question 1Sl.No.Column AColumn B1.Chalisa(a) Mongol2.Yakut(b) Group of forty nobles3.Changez Khan(c) Silver Coin4.Divine theory of Kingship(d) Abyssinian Slave5.Tanka(e) Balban

Accepted Answer

Sl.No.Column AColumn B1.Chalisa(b) Group of forty nobles2.Yakut(d) Abyssinian Slave3.Changez Khan(a) Mongol4.Divine theory of Kingship(e) Balban5.Tanka(c) Silver Coin

The Delhi Sultanate

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